Energy recovery system for machine with cylinder activation and deactivation system

ABSTRACT

An energy recovery system for a machine with a cylinder activation and deactivation system is disclosed. The energy recovery system can include a first cylinder group circuit including a first pump, a first condenser, a first turbine, and a first flow path. The first flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the first pump, the first condenser, and the first turbine. The energy recovery system can additionally include a second cylinder group circuit including a second pump, a second condenser, a second turbine, and a second flow path. The second flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the second pump, the second condenser, and the second turbine. The first flow path can be in thermal communication with a first group of cylinders of the machine, and the second flow path can be in thermal communication with a second group of cylinders of the machine. The machine can include a cylinder activation and deactivation system configured to deactivate at least one of the first group of cylinders and the second group of cylinders.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system, andmore particularly, to an energy recovery system for a machine having acylinder activation and deactivation system.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of machines may include and utilize an internalcombustion engine as a source of energy. Some of such machines, and theengines thereof, may include a system which may be configured todeactivate some of the cylinders within the engine while maintainingothers as active in order to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by theengine. Although such a system may be effective in improving fueleconomy and reducing the consumption of fuel to a degree, such a systemmay nonetheless be characterized by energy losses and/or may beincapable of providing the power required for some applications whileachieving a desired fuel efficiency.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,077 (the '077 patent) to Bryant, discloses acombination engine with an internal combustion engine section and avapor engine section. The heat generated by the internal combustionsection is transferred to a coolant (which is also a working fluid),such as water or an organic fluid, circulating around the engine blockof the internal combustion section. This working fluid is converted tovapor and transported to a boiler through which exhaust gases pass. Theexhaust gases superheat the vapor which is used to run the Rankine cycleof the combination engine. In order to increase fuel economy, the enginemay have a solenoid or manually actuated device to shut down one or moreof the internal combustions cylinders in order to maintain an optimumtemperature for Rankine cycle operation. While this can be accomplishedby manual controls, it is preferable to do this automatically. In thepreferred automatic mechanism, an electronic control module will monitorengine temperatures and shut down part or all of the internal combustioncylinders when the engine temperature is at the maximum desired.

The present disclosure is directed to mitigating or eliminating one ormore of the drawbacks discussed above.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an energy recoverysystem for a machine. The energy recovery system can include a firstcylinder group circuit including a first pump, a first condenser, afirst turbine, and a first flow path. The first flow path can beconnected in fluid communication with the first pump, the firstcondenser, and the first turbine. The energy recovery system canadditionally include a second cylinder group circuit including a secondpump, a second condenser, a second turbine, and a second flow path. Thesecond flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the secondpump, the second condenser, and the second turbine. The first flow pathcan be in thermal communication with a first group of cylinders of themachine, and the second flow path can be in thermal communication with asecond group of cylinders of the machine. The machine can include acylinder activation and deactivation system configured to deactivate atleast one of the first group of cylinders and the second group ofcylinders.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an energyrecovery system for a machine. The energy recovery system can include afirst cylinder group circuit configured to direct a first working fluidalong a first flow path in fluid communication with a first pump, afirst condenser and a first turbine. The first cylinder group circuitcan additionally be configured to direct the first working fluid alongthe first flow path in thermal communication with a first group ofcylinders of the machine downstream of the first pump and upstream ofthe first turbine. The energy recovery system can also include a secondcylinder group circuit configured to direct a second working fluid alonga second flow path in fluid communication with a second pump, a secondcondenser and a second turbine. The second cylinder group circuit canadditionally be configured to direct the second working fluid along thesecond flow path in thermal communication with a second group ofcylinders of the machine downstream of the second pump and upstream ofthe second turbine. The machine can include a cylinder activation anddeactivation system configured to activate and deactivate at least oneof the first group of cylinders and the second group of cylinders.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method ofgenerating energy from a machine. The method can include the step ofdirecting a first working fluid in thermal communication with a firstgroup of cylinders of the machine via a first pump along a first flowpath in response to the activation of the first group of cylinders. Themethod can also include the steps of employing the first working fluidto power a first turbine operably connected with the first working fluiddownstream of the first group of cylinders and condensing the firstworking fluid along the first flow path for reuse. The method canadditionally include the step of directing a second working fluid inthermal communication with a second group of cylinders of the machinevia a second pump along a second flow path in response to the activationof the first group of cylinders. The method can further include thesteps of employing the second working fluid to power a second turbineoperably connected with the second working fluid downstream of thesecond group of cylinders and condensing the second working fluid alongthe second flow path for reuse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of an exemplarymachine with a cylinder activation and deactivation system including anenergy recovery system according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of an exemplarymachine with a cylinder activation and deactivation system including anenergy recovery system according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of an exemplary engine illustrating aportion of the first cylinder group flow path and the second cylindergroup flow path of the energy recovery system according to an exemplarydisclosed embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of an exemplary engine illustrating aportion of the first cylinder group flow path and the second cylindergroup flow path of the energy recovery system according to an exemplarydisclosed embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of the exemplarydisclosed energy recovery system for a machine with a cylinderactivation and deactivation system according to an exemplary disclosedembodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of an alternateembodiment of the exemplary disclosed energy recovery system illustratedin FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system 10 whichcan be implemented and utilized with any of a variety of machines whichmay utilize a cylinder activation and deactivation system. Referencewill now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally,corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used, when possible,throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.Elements in schematics, included in the drawings, and described herein,may not be drawn with dimensions or to any realistic scale, but mayrather be drawn to illustrate different aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1 & 2 each provide an illustrative context of an operationalapplication and implementation of the present disclosure, showing aschematic illustration of an exemplary machine 12 which can include aninternal combustion power system 14 which can include two or more groupsof cylinders 16, a cylinder activation and deactivation system 18, andthe energy recovery system 10. However, without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure, any of the one or moreembodiments of the presently disclosed energy recovery system 10 may beimplemented and utilized with any of a variety of machines which canincorporate and utilize a cylinder activation and deactivation system 18and may perform one or more of types of operations associated with oneor more industries and/or applications, such as, and without limitation,mining, construction, farming, transportation, power generation, powerconversion, and the like, including but not limited to automobiles,heavy trucks, busses, and other heavy highway vehicles, construction,forestry, mining, agricultural, and industrial machines including butnot limited to heavy off-highway construction trucks, mining trucks,articulated trucks, dozers, compactors, drag lines, excavators,tractors, loaders, scrapers, graders, and the like, railway locomotives,or marine vessels as well as stationary machines including but notlimited to electric power generators or pumping stations for oil or gas.

As provided above, each exemplary machine 12 schematically illustratedin FIGS. 1 & 2 can include the internal combustion power system 14 whichcan include at least one exhaust manifold 19 associated with the two ormore groups of cylinders 16, each of which may generate heat and/orthermal energy. Each of the two or more groups of cylinders 16 of theinternal combustion power system 14 can be included in at least one ofone or more engines of the internal combustion power system 14, and canbe disposed and/or formed in an engine block or engine block thereof.Each of the one or more engines, such as engine 31 shown in theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and engines 56, 60 as shownin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, can be embodied in anyconfiguration, including but not limited to a v-configuration, aw-configuration, an in-line configuration, as well as a radial orhorizontally opposed configuration and can utilize any fuel such asgasoline, natural gas, diesel, and alcohol, or otherwise can be anyother type of engine which can produce mechanical energy from thecombustion of a combustible medium. Furthermore, the two or more groupsof cylinders 16, illustrated generally and schematically in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 as first group of cylinders (hereinafter referred to as “firstgroup of cylinders 20” or “first cylinder group 20”) and second group ofcylinders (hereinafter referred to as “second group of cylinders 22” or“second cylinder group 22”), can each include one or more, or aplurality of individual cylinders, such as cylinders 133 and cylinders233 illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4. Each individual cylinder, which can beincluded as a constituent member of one of the two or more groups ofcylinders 16, can include a piston (not shown) which may be disposedwithin each individual cylinder and conventionally connected and/oroperable to transmit reciprocating motion into rotational motion to turnpropulsion elements (such as propulsion elements 40, as providedherein), an generator, or the like. In particular, in the exemplaryembodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each of the one or more engines,such as engine 31 and engines 56, 60, as well as the two or more groupsof cylinders 16 and the additional components thereof, can be operableto produce power and mechanical energy (as well as heat and/or thermalenergy as a byproduct thereof in a known manner) supplied through thedrivetrain 36 of each machine 12, and in one example, through adifferential 38 to propulsion elements 40 (which can be wheels, tracks,propellers, turbines, or any other known means of propulsion) and axles42 thereof via a drive shaft 44. Furthermore, although the two or moregroups of cylinders 16 are illustrated and depicted as including a firstgroup of cylinders 20 and a second group of cylinders 22, additionalgroups of cylinders are contemplated within the scope of the presentdisclosure, wherein the internal combustion power system 14 can includea third group of cylinders, a fourth group of cylinders, and additionalgroups of cylinders, each of which can be disposed in an engine block.

Each exemplary machine 12 schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 canalso include a cylinder activation and deactivation system 18 which isconfigured to selectively activate and/or deactivate one or more of thetwo or more groups of cylinders 16. In one embodiment, each exemplarymachine 12 schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 can include a mastercontroller 26 and may additionally include a cylinder activation anddeactivation controller 24. In one example, the cylinder activation anddeactivation system 18 may include the cylinder activation anddeactivation controller 24 which may be operatively and controllablyconnected and configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate oneor more of the two or more groups of cylinders 16 which, in oneembodiment, can be in response to one or more electronically monitoredreadings or transmitted signals from the master controller 26, asfurther provided herein. In particular, in the illustrated exemplaryembodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the cylinder activation anddeactivation system 18, and in one example, the cylinder activation anddeactivation controller 24 thereof, can be operably, and in one example,electronically and controllably connected, in part, to selectivelyconnect and/or disconnect the fluid communication of a combustiblemedium or fuel to the group of individual cylinders included in thefirst group of cylinders 20 as well as the group of individual cylindersincluded in the second group of cylinders 22. In one example, thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24 can be connected inelectronic communication to transmit one or more activation ordeactivation signals to one or more electronically controllable valves(not shown) or other fluid control devices which, which, in response,can be actuated to selectively and fluidly connect or disconnect,respectively, the supply of fuel to the first and/or the second group ofcylinders 22 as provided herein. Furthermore, in one embodiment, thecylinder activation and deactivation system 18 may additionally includeone or more mechanical components (not shown) which can be connected inelectronically controllable communication with the cylinder activationand deactivation controller 24 and actuated to mechanically connect ordisconnect the first and/or second group of cylinders, 20, 22 inresponse to one or more activation or deactivation signals therefrom.Alternatively, the cylinder activation and deactivation controller 24and/or the functionality thereof consistent with any one or more of theforegoing examples and embodiments may be included in and/or performedby the master controller 26.

Each exemplary machine 12 schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 canadditionally include the energy recovery system 10 as well as anassociated energy recovery system controller 28. The energy recoverysystem 10 can be operatively, fluidly and controllably connected andactuated to selectively exchange thermal energy with and generate energyfrom one or more of each of the two or more groups of cylinders 16which, in one embodiment, can be in response to one or moreelectronically monitored readings or transmitted signals from the mastercontroller 26 and/or the cylinder activation and deactivation controller24, as further provided herein. Additionally, each of the two or moregroups of cylinders 16, illustrated and depicted as first group ofcylinders 20 and second group of cylinders 22, as well as the exhaustmanifold 19, can include a heat exchanger 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c,respectively, which can include and/or be embodied as any suitable heatexchange and/or recovery unit, jacket or other similar device orcomponent attached, connected, or otherwise positioned in thermalproximity and communication and configured facilitate thermalcommunication between the working fluid of the energy recovery system 10and each of the two or more groups of cylinders 16 as well as theexhaust manifold 19. Furthermore, the master controller 26 can beelectronically and controllably connected to a plurality of sensors,illustrated as sensors 46′ and sensors 46″ in the exemplary embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 & 2, which can include any one or more or a combinationof speed, torque, load, position, acceleration, pressure, temperatureand/or control sensors and/or any drivers and/or electronic controllersoperatively associated with associated with the various components ofeach exemplary machine 12 schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2, asfurther provided herein. Additionally, each exemplary machine 12schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 can include one or more or aplurality of operator controls 48, which can include one or more or aplurality of manual drive controls 50, drive mode controls 52, andcomponent controls 54, as further provided herein.

Referring specifically to the schematic illustration of the exemplarymachine 12′ shown in FIG. 1, the internal combustion power system 14includes a single engine 31, and each of the first group of cylinders20′ as well as the second group of cylinders 22′ is disposed and/orformed within a single, common engine block 32 thereof. As further shownin the example of an operational application of the present disclosureillustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the engine 31 can bemechanically linked to a transmission 34 to rotatably transmit, and insome embodiments absorb or receive, mechanical energy through adrivetrain 36′ which can be operable and mechanically connected totransmit mechanical energy from the engine 31 through a differential 38′to propulsion elements 40′ (which can be wheels, tracks, propellers,turbines, or any other known means of propulsion) and axles 42′ thereofvia a drive shaft 44′. Without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, the machine 12′ can include any of a pluralityof suitable powertrain and/or drivetrain 36′ configurations, includingbut not limited to a single, a two, or a four (or more) propulsionelement 40′ drivetrain 36′ configuration.

As further illustrated by the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, themachine 12′ can also include the master controller 26, illustrated inFIG. 1 as master controller 26′ which can be configured toelectronically monitor and control the operation of the machine 12′ aswell as the individual components and systems thereof. In particular,the master controller 26′ can be electronically and controllablyconnected to the engine 31, as well as the first and second group ofcylinders 20′, 22′ thereof, as well as the transmission 34, drive shaft44′, differential 38′, and axles 42′ of the machine 12′, in addition tothe plurality of sensors 46′ associated with the foregoing machine 12′components, which can include any one or more or a combination of speed,torque, load, position, acceleration, pressure, temperature and/orcontrol sensors 46′ and/or any drivers and/or electronic controllersoperatively associated with the foregoing components. The mastercontroller 26′ can also be connected in electronic communication with aplurality of operator controls 48′. The plurality of operator controls48′ can include one or more or a plurality of manual drive controls 50′,drive mode controls 52′, and component controls 54′. The manual drivecontrols 48′ can include one or more or a plurality of controls utilizedby the operator to manually control the operational state, speed, and/ordirection of the machine 12′, and can include any one or more of one ormore steering wheels, pedals, levers, joysticks, buttons, and the like(not shown) and may be mounted in and/or proximate to a operatorsstation, cab, or driver's seat of the machine 12′. The drive modecontrols 52′ can include one or more or a plurality controls, settings,selections or inputs which can be entered or set by the operator via oneor more manual buttons or a user interface (not shown), which can be agraphical, digital, or other type of user interface such as atouchscreen, to set or otherwise establish a drive mode of the machine12′ which can include a low speed drive mode, a low speed implementactuation drive mode, a low speed/high torque drive mode, a lowspeed/low torque mode, an engine idle/standby mode, a high speed drivemode, a high speed/high torque mode, a high speed/low torque mode, ahigh performance drive mode, a fuel economy or cruise drive mode, aretarding drive mode, and engine braking drive mode, and the like. Theoperator controls 48′ can additionally include one or more componentcontrols 54′, which can include one or more or a plurality of controlssuch as any one or more of one or more steering wheels, pedals, levers,joysticks, buttons, and the like (not shown) utilized by the operator tomanually control components associated with the machine 12′ such as workimplements and actuators and the hydraulic systems associated therewith.The one or more component controls 54′ can additionally be controllablyand operatively associated with ancillary and/or other machine 12′components and/or systems including but not limited to cooling systems,navigation systems and devices, communication systems and devices, HVACsystems, and/or any other ancillary machine 12′ systems and componentsincluding but not limited to electrical, hydraulic and/or pneumaticsystems and associated components, which may be controlled by the uservia one or more manual buttons, pedals, levers, joysticks, or a userinterface (not shown), which can be a graphical, digital, or other typeof user interface such as a touchscreen.

The master controller 26′ can also be connected in electronic andcontrollable communication with, or alternatively, can include, thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24′, wherein in responseto one or more and/or a combination of sensed or monitored machine 12′signals from the engine 31, as well as the first and second group ofcylinders 20′, 22′ thereof, the transmission 34, drive shaft 44′,differential 38′ and/or axles 42′, and in one embodiment, from each ofthe sensors 46′ operatively associated therewith, as well as one or moreand/or a plurality of operator control signals from one or more of theoperator controls 48′ as provided above, the master controller 26′ cansend one or more activation and/or deactivation command signals to thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24′ to generate one ormore activation or deactivation signals to selectively activate and/ordeactivate one or more of the two or more groups of cylinders 16 inresponse thereto as provided herein. Additionally, as provided above andas further provided herein, the master controller 26 can also beconnected in electronic and controllable communication with the energyrecovery system controller 28. In particular, and as provided above andfurther discussed below, the energy recovery system controller 28 can beconnected in electronic communication to monitor and/or receive signalsfrom the master controller 26, illustrated in FIG. 1 as mastercontroller 26′, and in one embodiment, can additionally be connected inelectronic communication to monitor and/or receive signals from thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24′. With thisconfiguration, and as provided herein, the energy recovery systemcontroller 28 can actuate the energy recovery system 10 to selectivelyand controllably exchange thermal energy with and generate energy fromone or more of the two or more groups of cylinders 16, which can be viaassociated heat exchangers 30 a and 30 b, illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1 as heat exchangers 30 a′ and 30 b′, in response toone or more and/or a combination of the foregoing machine 12′ signals,operator control signals, and/or in response to the one or more cylinderactivation and/or deactivation command signals monitored by and/ortransmitted to the energy recovery system controller 28 from the mastercontroller 26′ and/or the cylinder activation and deactivationcontroller 24′.

Referring to the embodiment of the exemplary machine 12″ schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 2, the internal combustion power system 14 of themachine 12″ shown in FIG. 2 can include a first engine 56 including afirst engine block 58 and a separate second engine 60 and second engineblock 62, wherein the first group of cylinders 20″ is disposed and/orformed within the first engine block 58 of the first engine 56 and thesecond group of cylinders 22″ is disposed and/or formed within thesecond engine block 62 of the second engine 60. The first engine 56 canbe rotatably and mechanically coupled to a first generator 64 via afirst output shaft 66 and the second engine 60 can be rotatably andmechanically coupled to a second generator 68 via a second output shaft70. The first generator 64 can be connected to transmit electricalenergy to, and additionally, in one embodiment, receive electricalenergy from an electric motor 72 via first power electronics 74, and thesecond generator 68 can be connected to transmit, and additionally, inone embodiment, receive electrical energy from the electric motor 72 viasecond power electronics 76. One or more energy storage devices 78, suchas one or more batteries or battery packs, may be connected totransmit/supply and/or receive electrical energy between the secondgenerator 68 and the electric motor 72. Although shown as connected tothe second power electronics 76, in other embodiments, the energystorage devices 78 shown in FIG. 2, or one or more additional energystorage devices 78 may also be provided and connected to transmit/supplyand/or receive electrical energy between the first generator 64 and theelectric motor 72. The first generator 64, first power electronics 74,as well as the second generator 68, second power electronics 76, energystorage devices 78, and electric motor 72 can be connected to transmitelectrical energy therebetween as provided above via a plurality ofelectrical connection elements 80, which can include any one or more ora combination of terminals, harnesses, wiring, busses and the like. Eachof first power electronics 74 and the second power electronics 76 caninclude one or more or a combination of electronics modules, devices andcomponents, including but not limited to power converters, powerinverters, rectifiers, resistors/resistor grids, and each of which caninclude one or more or a combination of electrical circuits/printedcircuit boards, capacitors, drivers, controllers (such as electric motor72 and first and/or second generator 64, 68 drivers & controllers),choppers, and/or semiconductors/switching elements, and the like. Assuch, in the schematic depiction shown in FIG. 2, each of first powerelectronics 74 and the second power electronics 76 can represent morethan one power electronics module such as, for example, two or morepower electronics modules and any of the foregoing modules, devices andcomponents thereof and can be electrically connected via terminals,harnesses, busses and/or any other necessary internal and externalelectrical wiring and connections. The electric motor 72 can beconnected to rotatably transmit, and in some embodiments absorb orreceive, mechanical energy through a differential 38″ to propulsionelements 40″ (which can be wheels, tracks, propellers, turbines, or anyother known means of propulsion) and axles 42″ thereof via a drive shaft44″. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, the machine 12″ can include any of a plurality of suitablepowertrain and/or drivetrain 36″ configurations, including but notlimited to a single, a two, or a four (or more) propulsion elementdrivetrain 36″ configuration.

In a manner substantially consistent with FIG. 1, the master controller26, illustrated as master controller 26″ in the exemplary embodiment ofthe machine 12″ shown in FIG. 2 can be configured to electronicallymonitor and control the operation of the machine 12″ as well as theindividual components and systems thereof. In particular, the mastercontroller 26″ can be electronically and controllably connected to thefirst engine 56 and the second engine 60, as well as the first andsecond group of cylinders 20″, 22″ thereof, the first and secondgenerators 64, 66, the first and second output shafts 66, 70, the firstand second power electronics 74, 76, the one or more energy storagedevices 78, the electric motor 72, the differential 38″, axles 42″ anddrive shaft 44″ of the machine 12″, in addition to plurality of sensors46″ associated with the foregoing machine 12 components, which caninclude any one or more or a combination of speed, torque, load,position, acceleration, pressure, temperature and/or control sensors 46″and/or any drivers and/or electronic controllers operatively associatedwith the foregoing components.

In a manner substantially consistent with the foregoing discussion ofFIG. 1, the master controller 26″ can also be connected in electroniccommunication with a plurality of operator controls 48″. The pluralityof operator controls 48″ can include one or more or a plurality ofmanual drive controls 50″, which can include one or more or a pluralitycontrols utilized by the operator to manually control the operationalstate, speed, and/or direction of the machine 12″, and can include anyone or more of one or more steering wheels, pedals, levers, joysticks,buttons, and the like (not shown) and may be mounted in and/or proximateto a operators station, cab, or driver's seat of the machine 12. Inaddition, the plurality of operator controls 48″ can include one or moreor a plurality of drive mode controls 52″ which can include one or moreor a plurality controls, settings, selections or inputs which can beentered or set by the operator via one or more manual buttons or a userinterface (not shown), which can be a graphical, digital, or other typeof user interface such as a touchscreen, to set or otherwise establish adrive mode of the machine 12″ which can include a low speed implementactuation drive mode, a low speed/high torque drive mode, a lowspeed/low torque mode, an engine idle/standby mode, a high speed drivemode, a high speed/high torque mode, a high speed/low torque mode, ahigh performance drive mode, a fuel economy or cruise drive mode, aretarding drive mode, and engine braking drive mode, and the like. Theoperator controls 48″ can additionally include one or more componentcontrols 54″, which can include one or more or a plurality of controlssuch as any one or more of one or more steering wheels, pedals, levers,joysticks, buttons, and the like (not shown) utilized by the operator tomanually control components associated with the machine 12″ such as workimplements and actuators and the hydraulic systems associated therewith.The one or more component controls 54″ can additionally be controllablyand operatively associated with ancillary and/or other machine 12″components and/or systems including but not limited to cooling systems,navigation systems and devices, communication systems and devices, HVACsystems, and/or any other ancillary machine 12″ systems and componentsincluding but not limited to electrical, hydraulic and/or pneumaticsystems and associated components, which may be controlled by the uservia one or more manual buttons, pedals, levers, joysticks, or a userinterface (not shown), which can be a graphical, digital, or other typeof user interface such as a touchscreen.

The master controller 26″ can also be connected in electronic andcontrollable communication with, or alternatively, can include, thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24″, wherein in responseto one or more and/or a combination of sensed or monitored machine 12″signals from the first engine 56 and the second engine 60, the first andsecond generators 64, 68, the first and second output shafts 66, 70, thefirst and second power electronics 74, 76, the one or more energystorage devices 78, the electric motor 72, the differential 38″, axles42″ and/or drive shafts 44″, and in one embodiment, from each of thesensors 46′ operatively associated therewith, as well as one or moreand/or a plurality of operator control signals from one or more of theoperator controls 48″ as provided above, the master controller 26″ cansend one or more activation and/or deactivation command signals to thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24″ to generate one ormore activation or deactivation signals to selectively activate and/ordeactivate one or more of the two or more groups of cylinders 16 inresponse thereto as provided herein. Additionally, as provided above andas further provided herein, the energy recovery system controller 28 canbe connected in electronic communication to monitor and/or receivesignals from the master controller 26, illustrated in FIG. 2 as mastercontroller 26″, and in one embodiment, can additionally be connected inelectronic communication to monitor and/or receive signals from thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24″. With thisconfiguration, and as provided herein, the energy recovery systemcontroller 28 can actuate the energy recovery system 10 to selectivelyand controllably exchange thermal energy with and generate energy fromone or more of the two or more groups of cylinders 16, which can be viaassociated heat exchangers 30 a and 30 b, illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 2 as heat exchangers 30 a″ and 30 b″, in response toone or more and/or a combination of the foregoing machine 12″ signals,operator control signals, and/or in response to the one or more cylinderactivation and/or deactivation command signals monitored by and/ortransmitted to the energy recovery system controller 28 from the mastercontroller 26″ and/or the cylinder activation and deactivationcontroller 24″.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in part, additional detail of an exemplaryembodiment of the engine 31 of FIG. 1. In particular, the engine 131,and the engine block 132 as well as the first group of cylinders 120′and the second group of cylinders 122′ thereof shown in FIG. 3illustrate additional detail of one embodiment of the engine 31, engineblock 32, the first group of cylinders 20′ as well as the second groupof cylinders 22′ shown in FIG. 1. As provided above the engine block 132of the engine 131 can include a plurality of cylinders 133 disposedand/or formed therein, and as shown in FIG. 3, the cylinders 133 can bearranged in two substantially linear, parallel and offset rows, namely,a substantially linear first row of cylinders 135 which can be parallelto a second row of cylinders 137 and can include a plurality ofcylinders 133 which can be aligned with each of the cylinders 133 of thesecond row of cylinders 137. In particular, the first row of cylinders135 can include one or more or a plurality of evenly spaced, linearlyaligned cylinders 133 disposed and/or formed within the engine block 132between a first end 139 and a second end 141 of the engine block 132 andpositioned adjacent and/or proximate to a first side 143 of the engineblock 132. For the purposes of illustration and as shown in FIG. 4, thefirst row of cylinders 135 can include a linearly aligned first cylinder145, second cylinder 147, third cylinder 149 and fourth cylinder 151.The second row of cylinders 137 can include one or more or a pluralityof evenly spaced, linearly aligned cylinders 133 disposed and/or formedwithin the engine block 32 between the first end 139 and the second end141 and positioned adjacent and/or proximate to a second side 153 of theengine block 132. For the purposes of illustration and as shown in FIG.4, the second row of cylinders 137 can include a linearly aligned fifthcylinder 155, sixth cylinder 157, seventh cylinder 159, and eighthcylinder 161, wherein the first, second, third and fourth cylinder 145,147, 149, 151, of the first row of cylinders 135 can be aligned and inparallel offset relation with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighthcylinder 155, 157, 159, 161, respectively, of the second row ofcylinders 137.

As provided above and further provided herein, each cylinder 133 of thefirst row of cylinders 135 and the second row of cylinders 137 can beoperatively included in one of the group of individual cylindersincluded in the first group of cylinders 120′ and the group ofindividual cylinders included in the second group of cylinders 122′,wherein the cylinder activation and deactivation system 18 can beconfigured to selectively activate and/or deactivate, and in oneembodiment, can be configured to selectively connect and/or disconnectthe group of individual cylinders included in the first group ofcylinders 120′ as well as the group of individual cylinders included inthe second group of cylinders 122′, as provided herein, which can be viathe cylinder activation and deactivation controller 24, such as thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24′. In particular, eachof the first group of cylinders 120′ and the second group of cylinders122′ can include a balanced, symmetrical, alternating and/or offsetarray of one or more cylinders 133 of the first row of cylinders 135 andone or more cylinders 133 of second row of cylinders 137 such that thedynamic forces within the engine 131 and the engine block 132 thereofcan be equally and/or symmetrically balanced and distributed between theactive or activated one (or both) of the first group of cylinders 120′and the second group of cylinders 122′ and the inactive or deactivatedone of the first group of cylinders 120′ and the second group ofcylinders 122′ within the engine block 132 of the engine 131. In oneembodiment, each of the first group of cylinders 120′ and the secondgroup of cylinders 122′ can include one, or more than one cylinders 133from the first row of cylinders 135 and one, or more than one cylinders133 from the second row of cylinders 137, wherein each of the cylinders133 of the first group of cylinders 120′ can be directly adjacent and/orproximate to at least one parallel or linearly aligned cylinder 133 ofthe second group of cylinders 122′, and each of the cylinders 133 of thesecond group of cylinders 122′ can be directly adjacent and/or proximateto at least one parallel or linearly aligned cylinder 133 of the firstgroup of cylinders 120′.

In one example, and as shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the first group of cylinders 120′ can include the first, sixth,seventh, and fourth cylinder, 145, 157, 159, 151, respectively, and thesecond group of cylinders 122′ can include a balanced, symmetrical,alternating and/or offset array of cylinders 133 including the fifth,second, third, and eighth cylinder 155, 147, 149, 161, respectively.However, alternative arrangements and designations of balanced,symmetrical, alternating and/or offset array of cylinders 133 arecontemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, as in anotherembodiment, the first group of cylinders 120′ can include the first,sixth, third, and eighth cylinder 145, 157, 149, 161, respectively, andthe second group of cylinders 122′ can include the fifth, second,seventh, and fourth cylinder 155, 147, 159, 151, respectively.Furthermore, for the purposes of illustration, the exemplary engineblock 132 is depicted as including two parallel rows 135, 137 of fourcylinders 133. However, without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, in other embodiments, the engine block 132 canhave two parallel rows of two or three cylinders 133, or alternativelycan have two parallel rows of five, six, or more cylinders 133 eacharranged, oriented, and grouped within the first group of cylinders 120′or the second group of cylinders 122′ in an alternating, balancedpattern in a manner consistent with any of the foregoing arrangements.

Additionally, and as provided above and further provided herein, theenergy recovery system 10 can be operatively, fluidly and controllablyconnected and actuated to selectively exchange thermal energy with andgenerate energy from the first group of cylinders 20 and/or the secondgroup of cylinders 22 along separate, independent flow paths which canconform to and/or align with the grouping and arrangement of and/orbetween the first group of cylinders 20 and the second group ofcylinders 22. In particular, and as further shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 3, and as further provided herein, the energyrecovery system 10 can be configured to direct separate working fluidsalong and throughout separate flow paths to independently andselectively generate exchange thermal energy with and generate energyfrom the first group of cylinders 120′ and the second group of cylinders122′, wherein the fluidly separate, independent flow paths, and in oneembodiment, the fluidly separate, independent heat exchangers 130 a′,130 b′, respectively, which can each be embodied as a heat exchangeunit, jacket or other similar component, which can be configured todirect each fluidly separate working fluid along a separate flow pathwhich can conform to and/or align with the balanced, symmetrical,alternating and/or offset array of cylinders 133 of the first group ofcylinders 120′ and the second group of cylinders 122′, consistent withany of the foregoing embodiments.

The engine 231, and the engine block 232 as well as the first group ofcylinders 220′ and the second group of cylinders 222′ thereof shown inFIG. 4 illustrate another embodiment of the engine 31, engine block 32,the first group of cylinders 20′ as well as the second group ofcylinders 22′ shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, theengine block 232 can have a plurality of cylinders 233 arranged thereinin a single linear row 237, or in an “in-line” style arrangement. Asfurther shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the first group of cylinders220′ and the second group of cylinders 222′, respectively, can includean equal number of linearly grouped, balanced cylinders, such as thefirst, second and third cylinders 239, 241, 243 proximate to the firstend 245 and the fourth, fifth, and sixth cylinders 247, 249, 251,proximate to the second end 253 of the engine block 232, respectively.Additionally, and in a manner substantially consistent with theforegoing, the energy recovery system 10 can be configured to directseparate working fluids along and throughout separate flow paths toindependently and selectively generate exchange thermal energy with andgenerate energy from the linearly arranged first group of cylinders 220′and the linearly arranged second group of cylinders 222′, which can bevia fluidly separate, independent heat exchangers 230 a′, 230 b′,respectively, as further shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, for the purposesof illustration, the exemplary engine block 232 is depicted in FIG. 4 asincluding a single row of six cylinders 233 in a linearly aligned or“inline” configuration. However, without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, in other embodiments, the engine block232 can have as few as two or as many as twelve or more linearly alignedcylinders 233 which can be grouped within the first group of cylinders220′ and the second group of cylinders 222′ in a balanced pattern in amanner consistent with the foregoing disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the energy recovery system10 of the present disclosure implemented and utilized as an energyrecovery system 10 for the exemplary machines 12, 12′, 12″ schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2, and illustrates additional detail of theenergy recovery system 10 over what is shown in FIGS. 1 & 2. As shown inFIG. 5, the energy recovery system 10 can include a first cylinder groupcircuit 162 as well as a second cylinder group circuit 164 which caneach be fluidly separate individual closed loop circuits and can eachinclude and be configured to direct separate working fluid along andthrough separate conduits and flow paths. In particular, the firstcylinder group circuit 162 can include a first conduit 166 as well as afirst cylinder group flow path 168, wherein the first conduit 166 can beany suitable hose, pipe or other fluid communication device and can beconfigured to fluidly direct a first working fluid 170 of the firstcylinder group circuit 162 along and throughout the first cylinder groupflow path 168. The first cylinder group circuit 162 can additionallyinclude a first turbine 172, a first condenser 174 and a first pump 176,each operably connected in fluid communication and fluidly integratedinto the first cylinder group circuit 162 as well as the first cylindergroup flow path 168 thereof to operatively interact with the firstworking fluid 170 contained therein. The second cylinder group circuit164 can include a second conduit 178 as well as a second cylinder groupflow path 180, wherein the second conduit 178 can be any suitable hose,pipe or other fluid communication device and can be configured tofluidly direct a second working fluid 182 of the second cylinder groupcircuit 164 along and throughout the second cylinder group flow path180. The second cylinder group circuit 164 can additionally include asecond turbine 184, a second condenser 186 and a second pump 188, eachoperably connected in fluid communication and fluidly integrated intothe second cylinder group circuit 164 as well as the second cylindergroup flow path 180 thereof to operatively interact with the secondworking fluid 182 contained therein.

Each of first working fluid 170 and second working fluid 182 can be anytype of fluid suitable for powering a turbine, such as water/steam, air,or common fluids. Furthermore, the first turbine 172 included andfluidly integrated into the first cylinder group circuit 162 can berotatably mounted to a first turbine output shaft 190, and the secondturbine 184 included and fluidly integrated into the second cylindergroup circuit 164 can be rotatably mounted to a second turbine outputshaft 191. The first turbine 172 as well as the second turbine 184 canbe any rotary mechanical device that can be configured to extract energyfrom the first and second working fluid 170, 182 within the firstcylinder group circuit 162 and second cylinder group circuit 164,respectively. As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.5, the first turbine 172 of the first cylinder group circuit 162 can beattached or otherwise connected to transmit mechanical energy to a firstpower component 192, which can be via the first turbine output shaft190, and the second turbine 184 of the second cylinder group circuit 164can be attached or otherwise connected to transmit mechanical energy toa second power component 193, which can be via the second turbine outputshaft 191. Alternatively, and as further provided herein, the mechanicalenergy generated via the rotation of the first turbine 172 and thatgenerated via the rotation of the second turbine 184 can be mechanicallytransmitted to a common power component 194 via a common turbine outputshaft 196, as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates analternative embodiment or variant of the energy recovery system 10 shownin FIG. 5, wherein the first turbine 172 and first turbine output shaft190, as well as the second turbine 184 and second turbine output shaft191, can each be selectively and mechanically coupled to and de-coupledfrom the common turbine output shaft 196 and engaged and disengaged fromtransmitting rotational mechanical energy therethrough to the commonpower component 194 via a first turbine output shaft clutch 197 and asecond turbine output shaft clutch 198, respectively. The first powercomponent 192 and the second power component 193 of the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 5, and additionally, the common power component194 of the alternative embodiment of the present energy recovery system10 shown in FIG. 6, can each be configured to convert the mechanicalenergy created by the rotation of the first turbine 172 and the secondturbine 184, or the first turbine 172 and/or the second turbine 184,respectively, into electrical energy, and can be an electric generator,which, in one example, can be electrically connected to one or morebatteries for charging, or alternatively, can be a driveshaft, acondenser fan, or any other component or device configured to convertmechanical energy to electrical energy, generate electrical energy froma mechanical input, and/or drive other machine components directly.

The energy recovery system 10, and the first cylinder group circuit 162thereof, can be configured, in part, to exchange thermal energy with andgenerate energy from each of the individual cylinders included in thefirst group of cylinders 20, such as first group of cylinders 20′, firstgroup of cylinders 20″, first group of cylinders 120′, and first groupof cylinders 220′ according to any embodiment as disclosed herein. Inparticular, the first conduit 166 of the first cylinder group circuit162 can be configured to fluidly direct the first working fluid 170along and throughout the first cylinder group flow path 168 and can beconnected in fluid communication to direct the first working fluid 170sequentially and successively through the first turbine 172, the firstcondenser 174, the first pump 176, and additionally can be operablypositioned and/or connected in thermal communication and/or proximityadjacent to, along and/or through or otherwise in thermal proximity witheach of the individual cylinders included in the first group ofcylinders 20 as well as the exhaust manifold 19, according to anyembodiment as disclosed herein, as provided above. The first turbine 172can be connected in fluid communication with the first group ofcylinders 20, the exhaust manifold 19, the first condenser 174, and thefirst pump 176 via the first conduit 166 and can be fluidly and operablyintegrated into the first cylinder group flow path 168 and positionedtherein in fluid communication with the first working fluid 170downstream of the first group of cylinders 20 and exhaust manifold 19.The first condenser 174 can be connected in fluid communication with thefirst conduit 166 and fluidly and operably integrated into the firstcylinder group flow path 168 and positioned downstream of the firstturbine 172 and upstream of the first pump 176. The first pump 176,which can be connected in fluid communication with the first conduit 166and fluidly and operably integrated and positioned downstream of thefirst condenser 174 and upstream of the first group of cylinders 20 andexhaust manifold 19 and can be operable to pressurize and propel thefirst working fluid 170 through the first conduit 166 and first cylindergroup flow path 168 of the first cylinder group circuit 162.

As provided above, the first conduit 166 can also be fluidly connectedand/or positioned to direct the first working fluid 170 fluidly directedalong the first cylinder group flow path 168 from the first pump 176adjacent to, along and/or through or otherwise in thermal proximity witheach of the individual cylinders included in the first group ofcylinders 20, such as 20′, 20″, 120′, 220′, which can be via theassociated heat exchangers 30 a, such as heat exchanger(s) 30′, 30 a″,130 a′, 1130 a′, 230 a′, 2230 a′, as well as the exhaust manifold 19,which can be via the associated heat exchangers 30 c, such as 30 c′, 30c″ according to any embodiment as disclosed herein, such that the firstworking fluid 170 gains thermal energy. Subsequently, the first conduit166 and the first cylinder group flow path 168 can fluidly direct thefirst working fluid 170 from the first group of cylinders 20 and theexhaust manifold 19, and in one embodiment the associated heatexchangers 30 consistent with any one or more of the foregoingembodiments, into and through the first turbine 172.

The energy recovery system 10, and the second cylinder group circuit 164thereof, can be configured, in part, to exchange thermal energy with andgenerate energy from each of the individual cylinders included in thesecond group of cylinders 22, such as second group of cylinders 22′,second group of cylinders 22″, second group of cylinders 122′, andsecond group of cylinders 222′ according to any embodiment as disclosedherein. In particular, the second conduit 178 of the second cylindergroup circuit 164 can be connected in fluid communication and configuredto fluidly direct the second working fluid 182 along and throughout thesecond cylinder group flow path 180 and can be fluidly connected todirect the second working fluid 182 sequentially and successivelythrough the second turbine 184, the second condenser 186, the secondpump 188, and additionally can be operably positioned and/or connectedin thermal communication and/or proximity adjacent to, along and/orthrough or otherwise in thermal proximity with each of the individualcylinders included in the second group of cylinders 22 as well as theexhaust manifold 19, according to any embodiment as disclosed herein, asprovided above. In particular, the second turbine 184 can be connectedin fluid communication with the second group of cylinders 22, theexhaust manifold 19, the second condenser 186, and the second pump 188via the second conduit 178 and can be fluidly and operably integratedinto the second cylinder group flow path 180 and positioned therein influid communication with the second working fluid 182 downstream of thesecond group of cylinders 22 and exhaust manifold 19. The secondcondenser 186 can be connected in fluid communication with the secondconduit 178 and fluidly and operably integrated into the second cylindergroup flow path 180 and positioned downstream of the second turbine 184and upstream of the second pump 188. The second pump 188, which can beconnected in fluid communication with the second conduit 178 and fluidlyand operably integrated and positioned downstream of the secondcondenser 186 and upstream of the second group of cylinders 22 andexhaust manifold 19 and can be operable to pressurize and propel thesecond working fluid 182 through the second conduit 178 and secondcylinder group flow path 180 of the second cylinder group circuit 164.

As provided above, the second conduit 178 can also be fluidly connectedand/or positioned to direct the second working fluid 182 fluidlydirected along the second cylinder group flow path 180 from the secondpump 188 adjacent to, along and/or through or otherwise in thermalproximity with each of the individual cylinders included in the secondgroup of cylinders 22, such as 22′, 22″, 122′, 222′, which can be viathe associated heat exchangers 30 b, such as heat exchanger(s) 30 b′, 30b″, 130 b′, 1130 b′, 230 b′, 2230 b′, as well as the exhaust manifold19, which can be via the associated heat exchangers 30 c, such as 30 c′,30 c″ according to any embodiment as disclosed herein, such that thesecond working fluid 182 gains thermal energy. Subsequently, the secondconduit 178 and the second cylinder group flow path 180 can fluidlydirect the second working fluid 182 from the second group of cylinders22 and the exhaust manifold 19, and in one embodiment the associatedheat exchangers 30 consistent with any one or more of the foregoingembodiments, into and through the second turbine 184.

In one embodiment, the energy recovery system 10, and the first cylindergroup circuit 162 and second cylinder group circuit 164 thereof, can beconfigured to direct the first working fluid 170 and the second workingfluid 182, respectively, along and throughout separate flow paths toindependently exchange thermal energy with and generate energy from thefirst group of cylinders 20 and the second group of cylinders 22,respectively, wherein the fluidly separate, independent flow paths, andin one embodiment, the fluidly separate, independent heat exchangers 30,can be configured to direct each fluidly separate first working fluid170 and the second working fluid 182 along a separate flow path whichcan conform to and/or align with the cylinders of the first cylindergroup 20 and the second cylinder group 22. Specifically, in oneembodiment consistent with and as illustrated by the exemplaryembodiment as shown in FIG. 3 above, a portion of the first cylindergroup flow path 168 illustrated in FIG. 3 as first cylinder flow pathportion 268, and additionally, in one example, the heat exchanger 1130a′, can be shaped or otherwise configured to direct the first workingfluid 170 along the first cylinder flow path portion 268 which can besymmetrical and/or consistent with, can conform to and/or can align withthe balanced, symmetrical, alternating and/or offset array of cylinders133, such as, for example, that of the first, sixth, seventh, and fourthcylinders 145, 157, 159, 151 included in the first cylinder group 120′to exchange thermal energy therewith. Additionally, a portion of thesecond cylinder group flow path 180 illustrated in FIG. 3 as secondcylinder flow path portion 280, and additionally, in one example, theheat exchanger 1130 b′, can be shaped or otherwise configured to directthe second working fluid 182 along the second cylinder flow path portion280 which can be symmetrical and/or consistent with, can conform toand/or can align with the balanced, symmetrical, alternating and/oroffset array of cylinders 133, such as, for example, that of the fifth,second, third, and eighth cylinders 155, 147, 149, 161 included in thesecond cylinder group 122′ to exchange thermal energy therewith.

In another embodiment, consistent with and as illustrated by theexemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 above, a portion of the firstcylinder group flow path 168 illustrated in FIG. 4 as first cylinderflow path portion 368, and additionally, in one example, the heatexchanger 2230 a′, can be shaped or otherwise configured to direct thefirst working fluid 170 along the first cylinder flow path portion 368which can be symmetrical and/or consistent with, can conform to and/orcan align with the balanced, linearly aligned and adjacent array ofcylinders 233, such as, for example, that of the first, second and thirdcylinders 239, 241, 243 proximate to the first end 245 of the engineblock 232 included in the first cylinder group 220′. Additionally, aportion of the second cylinder group flow path 180 illustrated in FIG. 4as second cylinder flow path portion 380, and additionally, in oneexample, the heat exchanger 2230 b′, can be shaped or otherwiseconfigured to direct the second working fluid 182 along the secondcylinder flow path portion 380 which can be symmetrical and/orconsistent with, can conform to and/or can align with the balanced,linearly aligned and adjacent array of cylinders 233, such as, forexample, that of the fourth, fifth, and sixth cylinders 247, 249, 251proximate to the second end 253 of the engine block 232 included in thesecond cylinder group 222′.

In addition, the fluidly separate, closed loop first cylinder groupcircuit 162 as well as the fluidly separate, closed loop second cylindergroup circuit 164 of the energy recovery system 10 can be selectivelyactivated, which in one embodiment can be via the energy recovery systemcontroller 28, to route and direct the first working fluid 170 and thesecond working fluid 182, respectively, to exchange thermal energy,extract heat, and generate mechanical energy from the first group ofcylinders 20 and the second group of cylinders 22, respectively,according to any embodiment as disclosed herein. In particular, theenergy recovery system controller 28 can be electronically connected toactuate, and/or control one or more or a plurality of the components,fluid connections and the flow and fluid communication of first workingfluid 170 and second working fluid 182 through the first cylinder groupcircuit 162 and the second cylinder group circuit 164, respectively, andthe exchange of thermal energy, extraction of heat, and generation ofenergy of, by and within each of the first and second cylinder groupcircuits 162, 164 of the energy recovery system 10, respectively, whichcan be in response to and/or consistent with the selective activationand/or deactivation of one or more of the two or more groups ofcylinders 16 and additionally may be responsive to the operation modes,activation, and/or the control of the machine 12 as well as one or more,or a plurality of operating conditions and/or environments within whichthe machine 12 may be utilized. In particular, in one embodiment, theenergy recovery system controller 28 can be electronically andcontrollably connected to each of the first pump 176 and the second pump188, wherein the first pump 176 and the second pump 188 can each be anelectronically controllable pump, and in one example, can additionallybe an electronically controllable variable displacement pump. As such,each of the first pump 176 and the second pump 188 can be selectivelyactuated to activate and deactivate the flow and fluid communication offirst working fluid 170 and second working fluid 182 through the firstcylinder group circuit 162 and the second cylinder group circuit 164,respectively, in response to one or more signals from the energyrecovery system controller 28. Additionally, in the alternativeembodiment or variant of the energy recovery system 10 of FIG. 5 asshown in FIG. 6, each of the first turbine output shaft clutch 197 andsecond turbine output shaft clutch 198 can be electronically actuatableand electronically and controllably connected to the energy recoverysystem controller 28 to selectively engage and disengage the connectionand transmission of mechanical energy from the first turbine 172 and thefirst turbine output shaft 190 thereof, and the second turbine 184 andsecond turbine output shaft 191 thereof, respectively, to the commonturbine output shaft 196 and the resultant generation of energy via thecommon power component 194 in response to one or more signals from theenergy recovery system controller 28.

With this operable configuration, the energy recovery system controller28 can be configured, in part, to selectively activate the firstcylinder group circuit 162 as well as the fluidly separate, closed loopsecond cylinder group circuit 164 of the energy recovery system 10 aswell as the flow and fluid communication of first working fluid 170 andsecond working fluid 182 therethrough, respectively, to selectively,controllably and responsively exchange thermal energy with and generateenergy from the one or more or each of the active, activated and/orthermally active group of individual cylinders included in the firstgroup of cylinders 20, and the group of individual cylinders included inthe second group of cylinders 22, respectively. Additionally, the energyrecovery system controller 28 can be configured, in part, toselectively, controllably and responsively deactivate the first cylindergroup circuit 162 as well as the fluidly separate, closed loop secondcylinder group circuit 164 of the energy recovery system 10 as well asthe flow and fluid communication of first working fluid 170 and secondworking fluid 182 adjacent to, along and/or through or otherwise inthermal proximity with the inactive, de-activated and/or thermallyinactive group of individual cylinders included in the first group ofcylinders 20 and the group of individual cylinders included in thesecond group of cylinders 22, respectively.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The energy recovery system of the present disclosure may be implementedand utilized with any of a variety of powertrains or similar powersystems of any of a variety of hybrid machines in which an energyrecovery system consistent with any one or more of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be employed. In addition to further advantages bothas stated herein as well as those as understood by one of ordinary skillof the art upon being provided with the benefit of the teachings of thepresent disclosure, the presently disclosed energy recovery system mayprovide increased energy recovery, as well as increased fuel efficiencyand lower fuel consumption for a machine having a cylinder activationand deactivation system. In addition, the energy recovery system of thepresent disclosure may provide a substantially net gain in energyrecovery and fuel efficiency in addition to a reduction of fuelconsumption which may be additive to and independent of other energysavings technologies and implementations without requiring significantenergy demands or parasitic losses on a machine having a cylinderactivation and deactivation system. Furthermore, the energy recoverysystem of the present disclosure may also provide more flexibility andresponsiveness in generating and providing additional energy for amachine having a cylinder activation and deactivation system.

In particular, the master controller 26 may electronically monitorand/or receive one or more or a plurality of signals indicative of theoperating conditions of the machine 12 which may be indicative of thepower needs and/or capacity of the internal combustion energy system 14in relation to the environment, operating conditions and/or forcesexperienced by the machine 12. For example, the master controller 26 mayreceive one or more or a plurality of signals from the sensors 46 whichcan be attached or otherwise positioned to sense and provide and/ortransmit signals indicative of the speed, position, torque, load,acceleration, pressure, temperature and/or control of any one or moremachine powertrain and/or drivetrain 36 components according to any oneor more of the embodiments as provided herein. The master controller 26may also receive one or more or a plurality of signals from the manualdrive controls 48, drive mode controls 52, and/or component controls 54,as provided according to any one or more of the embodiments as disclosedherein. In response to any one or more or a plurality of the foregoingsignals, the master controller 26 may activate and/or engage theoperation of the machine 12 in any one of a plurality of operatingmodes, including but not limited to a low speed implement actuationdrive mode, a low speed/high torque drive mode, a low speed/low torquemode, an engine idle/standby mode, a high speed drive mode, a highspeed/high torque mode, a high speed/low torque mode, a high performancedrive mode, a fuel economy or cruise drive mode, a retarding drive mode,and engine braking drive mode. The master controller 26 may additionallyelectronically transmit one or more activation and/or deactivationcommand signals to the cylinder activation and deactivation controller24 to generate one or more activation or deactivation signals toselectively activate and/or deactivate one or more of the two or moregroups of cylinders 16 in response thereto such that the internalcombustion energy system 14 consumes an amount of combustible medium inthe form of fuel necessary to produce the power and mechanical energydemanded by the machine 12 and consistent with and/or established by anyone of the one or more operating modes implemented by the mastercontroller 26.

In one example, the master controller 26 may engage the machine 12 tooperate in a low speed/high torque drive mode, a high speed drive mode,a high speed/high torque mode, or a high performance drive mode, and inresponse, may additionally electronically transmit one or moreactivation command signals to the cylinder activation and deactivationsystem 18 and the cylinder activation and deactivation controller 24thereof. In response, the cylinder activation and deactivationcontroller 24 may generate and electronically transmit one or moreactivation signals to activate and/or engage one or more or each of thetwo or more groups of cylinders 16, and in one example, may activate anyinactive or de-activated group of individual cylinders included in thefirst group of cylinders 20 and/or the group of individual cylindersincluded in the second group of cylinders 22. Additionally, the one ormore activation command signals and/or activation signals may beelectronically monitored, transmitted to, and/or received by the energyrecovery system controller 28 from the master controller 26 and/or thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24.

In response, the energy recovery system 10 may be actuated by the energyrecovery system controller 28 which may electronically transmit one ormore activation signals such that each cylinder group circuit, such ascylinder group circuit 162 and 164 is activated and the respective firstand second working fluid 170, 182 is fluidly routed and directed toexchange thermal energy with and generate energy from the one or more oreach of the active, activated and/or thermally active group ofindividual cylinders included in the first group of cylinders 20, andthe group of individual cylinders included in the second group ofcylinders 22, respectively. In particular, and in response to any one ormore or a combination of the signals as discussed above, the energyrecovery system controller 28 may transmit one or more electronic firstcylinder group and/or second cylinder group activation signals to anyinactive or de-activated one of the first pump 176 and/or the secondpump 188, or both of the first pump 176 and/or the second pump 188included in the first cylinder group circuit 162 and second cylindergroup circuit 164, respectively, such that the first working fluid 170and the second working fluid 182 is fluidly communicated through eachfluidly separate, closed loop first cylinder group circuit 162 andsecond cylinder group circuit 164, respectively, to exchange thermalenergy with and generate energy from the one or more or each of theactive, activated and/or thermally active group of individual cylindersincluded in the first group of cylinders 20, and the group of individualcylinders included in the second group of cylinders 22, respectively.Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the energyrecovery system controller 28 may transmit one or more electronic firstcylinder group and/or second cylinder group activation signals toactivate and engage the first turbine output shaft clutch 197 and thesecond turbine output shaft clutch 198. As such, the first working fluid170 and the second working fluid 182 may be heated to a vapor phase viathe thermal exchange with the activated, thermally active first group ofcylinders 20 and second group of cylinders 22, respectively, anddirected into each respective first and second turbine 172, 184, whereinexpansion of the vapor phase first and second working fluids 170, 182therethrough may generate mechanical energy via the resultant rotationthereof, which may be mechanically transmitted via the respective firstand second turbine output shafts 190, 191 to the respective first andsecond power components 192, 193, or alternatively the common powercomponent 194, and converted to electrical energy.

Alternatively, the master controller 26 may engage the machine 12 tooperate in a low speed implement actuation drive mode, an engineidle/standby mode, a low speed/low torque mode, a high speed/low torquemode, a fuel economy or cruise drive mode, a retarding drive mode, or anengine braking drive mode, and in response, may additionallyelectronically transmit one or more deactivation command signals to thecylinder activation and deactivation system 18 and the cylinderactivation and deactivation controller 24 thereof. In response, thecylinder activation and deactivation controller 24 may generate andelectronically transmit one or more deactivation signals to deactivateand/or disengage one or more or each of the two or more groups ofcylinders 16, and in one example, may deactivate any one of any activeor activated group of individual cylinders included in the first groupof cylinders 20 and/or the group of individual cylinders included in thesecond group of cylinders 22. Additionally, the one or more deactivationcommand signals and/or deactivation signals may be electronicallymonitored, transmitted to, and/or received by the energy recovery systemcontroller 28 from the master controller 26 and/or the cylinderactivation and deactivation controller 24.

In response, the energy recovery system 10 may be actuated by the energyrecovery system controller 28 which may transmit one or more electronicfirst cylinder group and/or second cylinder group deactivation signalsto the first pump 176 to deactivate the first cylinder group circuit 162or the second pump 188 to deactivate the second cylinder group circuit164 of the energy recovery system 10 as well as the flow and fluidcommunication of the respective first working fluid 170 or secondworking fluid 182 adjacent to, along and/or through or otherwise inthermal proximity with the inactive, de-activated and/or thermallyinactive group of individual cylinders included in the first group ofcylinders 20 or the group of individual cylinders included in the secondgroup of cylinders 22, respectively. Additionally, in the exemplaryembodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the energy recovery system controller 28may electronically transmit one or more electronic first cylinder groupor second cylinder group deactivation signals to deactivate anddisengage the first turbine output shaft clutch 197 or the secondturbine output shaft clutch 198.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the system of the presentdisclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Otherembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the system disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicatedby the following claims and their equivalent.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy recovery system for a machine,comprising: a first cylinder group circuit including a first pump, afirst condenser, a first turbine, and a first flow path, the first flowpath connected in fluid communication with the first pump, the firstcondenser, and the first turbine; a second cylinder group circuitincluding a second pump, a second condenser, a second turbine, and asecond flow path, the second flow path connected in fluid communicationwith the second pump, the second condenser, and the second turbine; thefirst flow path in thermal communication with a first group of cylindersof the machine; the second flow path in thermal communication with asecond group of cylinders of the machine; and wherein the machineincludes a cylinder activation and deactivation system configured todeactivate at least one of the first group of cylinders and the secondgroup of cylinders.
 2. The energy recovery system of claim 1 wherein thefirst cylinder group circuit is a closed loop circuit and the secondcylinder group circuit is a closed loop circuit, wherein the firstcylinder group circuit is fluidly separate from the second cylindergroup circuit.
 3. The energy recovery system of claim 2 wherein thefirst turbine is fluidly integrated in the first flow path downstream ofthe first group of cylinders, the first condenser is fluidly integratedin the first flow path downstream of the first turbine, and the firstpump is fluidly integrated in the first flow path downstream of thefirst condenser and upstream of the first group of cylinders.
 4. Theenergy recovery system of claim 3 wherein the second turbine is fluidlyintegrated in the second flow path downstream of the second group ofcylinders, the second condenser is fluidly integrated in the second flowpath downstream of the second turbine, and the second pump is fluidlyintegrated in the second flow path downstream of the second condenserand upstream of the second group of cylinders.
 5. The energy recoverysystem of claim 4 wherein the first cylinder group circuit is configuredto be deactivated in response to the deactivation of the first group ofcylinders.
 6. The energy recovery system of claim 5 wherein the secondcylinder group circuit is configured to be deactivated in response tothe deactivation of the second group of cylinders.
 7. The energyrecovery system of claim 6 wherein the first turbine is connected totransmit mechanical energy to a first power component and the secondturbine is connected to transmit mechanical energy to a second powercomponent.
 8. The energy recovery system of claim 6 wherein the firstturbine and the second turbine are each selectively connected totransmit mechanical energy to a common power component.
 9. The energyrecovery system of claim 6 wherein the first group of cylinders and thesecond group of cylinders are included in an engine manifold of anengine of the machine.
 10. The energy recovery system of claim 9 whereinthe first flow path includes a first cylinder flow path portion, whereinthe first cylinder flow path portion is aligned with an array ofcylinders included in the first group of cylinders.
 11. The energyrecovery system of claim 10 wherein the second flow path includes asecond cylinder flow path portion, wherein the second cylinder flow pathportion is aligned with an array of cylinders included in the secondgroup of cylinders.
 12. The energy recovery system of claim 6 whereinthe first group of cylinders is included in an engine block of a firstengine of the machine and the second group of cylinders is included inan engine block of a second engine of the machine.
 13. An energyrecovery system for a machine, comprising: a first cylinder groupcircuit configured to direct a first working fluid along a first flowpath in fluid communication with a first pump, a first condenser and afirst turbine; the first cylinder group circuit configured to direct thefirst working fluid along the first flow path in thermal communicationwith a first group of cylinders of the machine downstream of the firstpump and upstream of the first turbine; a second cylinder group circuitconfigured to direct a second working fluid along a second flow path influid communication with a second pump, a second condenser and a secondturbine; the second cylinder group circuit configured to direct thesecond working fluid along the second flow path in thermal communicationwith a second group of cylinders of the machine downstream of the secondpump and upstream of the second turbine; and the machine including acylinder activation and deactivation system configured to activate anddeactivate at least one of the first group of cylinders and the secondgroup of cylinders.
 14. The energy recovery system of claim 13 whereinthe first cylinder group circuit is configured to be selectivelyactivated and deactivated in response to the activation and deactivationof the first group of cylinders.
 15. The energy recovery system of claim14 wherein the first cylinder group circuit is configured to beselectively activated and deactivated in response to one or moreoperating modes of the machine.
 16. The energy recovery system of claim15 wherein the one or more modes of the machine include at least one ofa low speed drive mode, a low speed implement actuation drive mode, alow speed/high torque drive mode, a low speed/low torque mode, an engineidle/standby mode, a high speed drive mode, a high speed/high torquemode, a high speed/low torque mode, a high performance drive mode, afuel economy drive mode, a retarding drive mode, and an engine brakingdrive mode.
 17. The energy recovery system of claim 13 wherein thesecond cylinder group circuit is configured to be selectively activatedand deactivated in response to the activation and deactivation of thesecond group of cylinders.
 18. The energy recovery system of claim 17wherein the second cylinder group circuit is configured to beselectively activated and deactivated in response to one or moreoperating modes of the machine.
 19. The energy recovery system of claim18 wherein the one or more modes of the machine include at least one ofa low speed drive mode, a low speed implement actuation drive mode, alow speed/high torque drive mode, a low speed/low torque mode, an engineidle/standby mode, a high speed drive mode, a high speed/high torquemode, a high speed/low torque mode, a high performance drive mode, afuel economy drive mode, a retarding drive mode, and an engine brakingdrive mode.
 20. A method of generating energy from a machine comprisingthe steps of: directing a first working fluid in thermal communicationwith a first group of cylinders of the machine via a first pump along afirst flow path in response to the activation of the first group ofcylinders; employing the first working fluid to power a first turbineoperably connected with the first working fluid downstream of the firstgroup of cylinders; condensing the first working fluid along the firstflow path for reuse; directing a second working fluid in thermalcommunication with a second group of cylinders of the machine via asecond pump along a second flow path in response to the activation ofthe first group of cylinders; and employing the second working fluid topower a second turbine operably connected with the second working fluiddownstream of the second group of cylinders; and condensing the secondworking fluid along the second flow path for reuse.